August 26, 2016

Rep. Mark Takano Applauds Department of Education for Blocking ITT Tech From Enrolling Students with Federal Aid

Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) released the following statement after the Department of Education banned ITT Technical Institute from enrolling new students with federal aid. 

“For too long, the for-profit education sector has been allowed to exist free from oversight or accountability. As a result, several bad actors in the industry have built profitable companies on the pillars of deceptive marketing tactics and unethical business practices. The Department of Education’s announcement reflects a new chapter in our approach to regulating the for-profit education sector. I strongly support the sanctions placed on ITT Technical Institute.

“Students who seek higher education to improve their professional and financial opportunities deserve better than a worthless piece of paper and an incredible debt load. This is too often the result of enrolling in a for-profit school, and taxpayers deserve better than to subsidize inadequate educational programs.

“While this announcement is an important step, it also highlights the gaps in our oversight of the for-profit education sector. Even with these sanctions in place, ITT Technical Institute is permitted to continue enrolling new service members using Military Tuition Assistance money and veterans using GI Bill dollars. If an educational program does not meet the standards for federal financial aid, then it certainly should not be allowed to enroll the brave men and women who serve this country. The Department of Education, the Department of Defense, and the Department of Veterans’ Affairs should work together to create an accountability system that works for all students.

“We must do much more to protect all students, including our service members and veterans, from unethical practices in the for-profit education system that endanger their future.”

Press Contact

Josh Weisz, josh.weisz@mail.house.gov, 202-225-2305